Tag Archives: UNESCO World Heritage site

Ama Family Friendly River Cruises

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River cruises with connecting cabins and third or fourth accommodations

AmaWaterways is introducing two new river ships in Europe in 2016 that will offer family friendly river cruises.  The new 158-passenger sister ships AmaViola and AmaStella will have some connecting cabins, which are appreciated by families and groups traveling together.

Ama waterways introduces 2 new river cruise ships in Cologne Germany

Ama waterways introduces 2 new river cruise ships in Cologne Germany

 

The AmaViola and AmaStella will also have several cabins available for a 3rd or 4th occupants under the age of 18. The triples have a convertible chair. The only quads will be the suites with the third bed being a convertible chair and the fourth bed being a convertible sofa. Triples are located in Categories AA and AB and the Suites, cat. SS, are the only quads. Rate will be 50% of the brochure fare.

Most of the accommodations on the ships will have the line’s signature Twin Balconies — one full balcony and a French balcony in each stateroom or suite. The vessels also will have marble-appointed bathrooms, multi-jet showerheads, plush linens, salon and massage services, fitness rooms, and heated pools with swim-up bars. Complimentary unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks are available with lunch and dinner; complimentary bottled water is provided daily in all staterooms.

Amawaterways is proud to be the only river cruise line invited to join one of the world’s most prestigious culinary organizations founded in 1950 in Paris. Every AmaWaterways vessel cruising in Europe is an official member of La Chaine des Rotisseurs. Membership is considered an achievement of world-class culinary achievement.

“One of the best features of the AmaWaterways cruises is that there are multiple tour excursions available to choose from. This is great for clients that have already been to a port and are interested in other excursions.” Jan Baumgartner, Europeanbarging

The AmaStella will start out her season with cruises in Holland during Tulip season and then move down to the Danube where she will cruise between Vilshofen and Budapest with land extensions in Prague and Munich. She will end the season with Christmas Market cruises on the Danube.

The AmaViola will also start her season with three departures of Holland Tulip cruises followed by 2 Rhine River Cruises between Amsterdam and Basel before starting her Danube River Cruise between Budapest and Vilshofen. Two of these cruise itineraries will be Wine Themed departures on October 30th and November 13, 2016. She will also end her season with Christmas Market cruises on the Danube between Budapest and Nuremburg.

Anne Marie Barge Cruising Provence France

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Cruising Provence on the Anne Marie barge includes visits to such sites as Avignon and the Popes Palace,the hill side town of Les Baux de Provence, white Camargue horses, Roman arena of Arles, as well as several wine tastings.  Call us  888-869-7907

Explore Český Krumlov and it’s Castle

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Český Krumlov and its castle

Floating down the river on a luxurious AMA Waterways ship, you hear about the possibility of a Linz excursion to Český Krumlov. “Český Krumlov?” you think to yourself. “What a funny little name. Should I take an excursion there?” The answer is a resounding yes. Český Krumlov’s castle sits in a bend of the Vltava River like a pearl still on the half-shell. Take a trip to this beautiful castle and discover the beauty of this UNESCO Site.

 Historic Český Krumlov

Castle medievalOnce the seat of the House of Rosenberg, Český Krumlov’s roots stretch back to the 13th century. South Bohemian rulers, the Rosenbergs became enchanted by the Italian Renaissance style while building up their castle residence. Of all the castles in the Czech Republic, Český Krumlov’s is the second-largest. Its medieval core, uniquely preserved in its bend of the Vltava River, earns a place as a UNESCO Site.

Harmonious Renaissance Castle

Featuring Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles, Český Krumlov is a woven tapestry of harmonious styles. Gaze at the sumptuous Renaissance castle. Get delightfully lost in the maze of medieval streets. Stroll in colorfully-designed gardens. Lift a pint in a pub or ale-house where knights of the Middle Ages once quenched their thirst. Tour the remarkably preserved Baroque theater with stage equipment dating back almost three centuries – and marvel that it still works. An excursion to this sight awards you the opportunity to view a tiny town with big history all stitched together in harmony with the beautiful countryside.

Danube River Cruise Experience

DanubeRiver cruises offer guests the relaxing experience of meandering down a scenic waterway. Look over the railing at green vineyards rolling across the countryside, castles perched atop hills and cities rich in history and culture. AMA Waterways ships feature luxurious amenities such as swimming pools, Jacuzzis and spas. The ships dock in the heart of historic cities such as Linz, affording guests the opportunity to step right into the heart of towns rich in culture.

Český Krumlov Castle is one of many Linz excursions. Contact us to book an Danube River cruise and accept a Linz excursion. This is experience is not to be missed.

Cruising on the Moselle between Metz and Cochem

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A Luxury Barge Cruise or A Casual Bike and Barge Cruise – What is your Preference?

The Moselle Valley has a splendid countryside. The cool and delicious wines, the picturesque little towns with rich histories and the excellent conditions for cycling are a few of the high points of this area. Here you can enjoy your vacation whether you want it to be on board a luxury barge cruise or a combination of bike and barge cruise.

Your cruise takes you on a tour of this wonderful region where you come across several interesting places. Metz is designated a ‘town of art and history’ because of its rich historical and cultural background. This is a designation bestowed by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication to specific towns and cities with a purpose to preserve and promote France’s heritage. In Metz, you will discover much art and history! The city is home to some world-class venues such as the Arsenal Concert Hall, the Centre Pompidou-Metz Museum, and the National Opera of Lorraine (along with the Nancy Opera.) Metz has the pride of having 20 miles of landscaped walks along the rivers, canals and ramparts making it a lovely and lushly green city.

Remich is another interesting place. This is one of the quaintest towns in Germany. Remich is surrounded by vineyards that produce the majority of wines in Luxembourg. It is actually known as “la perle de la Moselle”, and is renowned not just for its wines but its riverside esplanade as well.

Trier is the oldest city of Germany founded before the 16th century.  It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site noted for its Roman monuments, particularly the Imperial Baths and the imposing fortified gate, the Porta Nigra. Trier lies in a valley between low vine-covered hills. This is an important Mosel wine-growing region.

Cochem will be your last stop. Situated deep in the most romantic part of the Moselle River Valley, Cochem is famous for its wine taverns, half-timbered houses, riverside promenades and the magnificent Reichsburg Castle above the town.

A wonderful experience is yours as you cruise through the Moselle Valley while you view and visit charming villages and ravishing towns. You will taste the region’s excellent wines in the welcoming taverns here.  Light whites are a specialty, and Riesling is the best-known variety produced here.

You have a lot of choices when it comes to cruising the Moselle. You can take a casual bike and barge cruise on the 26 passenger “Sailing Home”, the 8 passenger ultra-deluxe La Nouvelle Etoile or numerous other river cruises.

The Imperial City of Vienna

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Along with being the capital of Austria, Vienna is also the largest city in the country. Vienna, known as Europe’s cultural capital, is a metropolis with unique charm, vibrancy and flair. It takes pride in its outstanding infrastructure, it is clean and safe, and has all the inspiration that you could wish for in order to discover this amazing part of Europe.

Vienna is situated on the banks of magical Danube.  Visitors from all over the world make it the most popular urban tourist destination in Austria.  In 2001, Vienna’s Historic Centre was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city offers up plenty of charm, historic sites, and friendly citizens who are forward-thinking, yet strongly proud of their rich heritage.

Your river cruise ship will dock near the city’s Centre at the Reichsbrucke. Once in Vienna, you will find many places to visit as well as things to do and see in this imperial city. Getting around in the city is easy due to the walkable nature of the city. You can also cycle around to visit the places nearby.

Most people visit Vienna with a vivid image of the city in their minds: a monumental vision of Habsburg palaces, trotting white horses, old ladies in fur coats and mountains of fat cream cakes. And they’re unlikely to be disappointed, for the city positively feeds off imperial nostalgia. Wander along narrow, medieval alleyways or across imperial squares, view Schönbrunn Palace or the Imperial Palace (Hofburg) in the footsteps of Sissi and Emperor Franz Josef, and wonder at the majestic architecture along the Ring Boulevard.  Be mesmerized by an atmosphere steeped in history – which also boasts of the comforts and infrastructure of a modern city!

The imperial character of the City of Vienna is further intensified by high Baroque churches and aristocratic mansions that pepper the central Innere Stadt. The postcards of the Emperor Franz-Josef and his beautiful wife, Elisabeth, still sell by the sackful. Just as compelling as the old Habsburg stand-bys are the wonderful Jugendstil and early Modernist buildings, products of the era of Freud, Klimt, Schiele, Mahler and Schönberg, when the city’s famous coffeehouses were filled with intellectuals from every corner of the empire.

Vienna is a dream city for anyone who has an interest in history or has a romantic streak. This is just irresistible with its imperial atmosphere, mild and moderate climate, excellent infrastructure and its own “coffee house literature.”

Contact us today for more information about an exciting Danube River Cruise or click here.